Introducing Tompkins County's engaging new venue to showcase our unique history and culture.

Opening in 2019 the Tompkins Center for History and Culture will be a vibrant cultural destination on the Commons in downtown Ithaca, NY. It will deliver engaging multimedia exhibits and program experiences on local and regional history and on Tompkins County's impact on the world.

Local culture.Global impact.

Our community has deep and unique roots extending far and wide around the globe. The Tompkins County we know is rich with stories and adventures waiting to be explored.

Opening on the Ithaca Commons in 2019, The Tompkins Center for History and Culture will be a must-see cultural destination, delivering vibrant exhibit and program experiences on local and regional history and on Tompkins County's impact on the world. An aggressive 2018 timeline for development of the Center will include a Capital Campaign, exhibit and space design, planning and construction, developing operational and governance agreements, and lead towards opening in early 2019.

Building

The Center will be located on the Commons in the former home of the Tompkins Trust Company, right in the heart of downtown Ithaca. The building's central location, its attractive architecture, and its high visibility, are important advantages for the Center.

Goals

Through innovative multimedia exhibits, events and original programming, the Center will engage the public - visitors and residents alike - in a vibrant exploration of Tompkins County's unique history, heritage, and culture; and encourage visitors to explore local tourism opportunities.

Plan

Now through December 2018 involves an ambitious timeline for the Center including a Capital Campaign, exhibit and space design, planning and construction, developing operational and governance agreements, and a soft opening in early 2019.

Words of Support

The local impact of this new facility offers great ways for our community to get involved and support the campaign.

I cannot think of a more compelling way to showcase and celebrate the richness of our County's past, present and future than by putting it all under one roof in this highly visible location and inviting all to come enjoy it!

Jerry Dietz

The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce is excited at the potential of this partnership, grateful to Tompkins County and Tompkins Trust Company for their support, and looking forward to creating a first class visitor center and gift shop in the new space at the Tompkins Center for History and Culture.

Jennifer Tavares

The Dorothy Cotton Institute is excited to be a partner in this project which promises to be a vehicle for creating community across our diversity, exploring the wealth of cultural assets in Tompkins County and highlighting our social justice roots.

Kirby Edmonds

The Tompkins Center for History and Culture will be an exciting addition to the Commons and a place where anyone - visitor or resident - can delve deep into the County's unique history, or use it as a spring board to venture out and about and explore Tompkins County. Wharton Studio Museum is thrilled to be a partner.

Diana Riesman

The Thaler/Howell Foundation, founded by Manley and Dodie Thaler, is pleased to be a key donor for the Tompkins Center for History and Culture. Our families have a long history with this community and we want to ensure that this is a space for all county residents to share their narratives and explore our rich history.

Manley Thaler

The Tompkins Center for History and Culture embodies the extraordinary collaborative spirit of Ithaca and Tompkins County, and holds the potential to be truly transformative for the community and for the overall economic development of our region.

Tom Knipe

A few key stats for the Center

$3.7m

Estimated project costs

30,000

Expected attendance in 2019

$1.75m

Capital Campaign

Find out more about our capital campaign.

Join our mission to bring this great resource to Tompkins County.

Enter your email to get updates regarding the partners, the capital campaign, exhibits and programs and our grand opening.

Thank you for contacting us and for your interest. We are very excited about the Tompkins Center for History and Culture. A member of our team will get back to you soon.

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Partners

The Center is honored to be a home for many great partners who share our commitment to local history and culture.